THEATRE
Veterans 10-Minute Play Festival 2021
November 9-11, 2021 Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts
THEATRE The Salem State University theatre and speech communication department, in conjunction with the Center for Creative and Performing Arts and Salem State Veterans’ Affairs, presents
2021 Veterans 10-Minute Play Festival Artistic Director Julie Kiernan Stage Directors Esme Allen, Matthew Korahais, and Sara Conlon State Manager Diane Thai
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S NOTES It is with deep gratitude that I welcome you to the Third Annual Veterans 10-Minute Play Festival. My commitment to facilitating the telling of Veteran/ Military stories began seven years ago when I began teaching in the Veterans Learning Community at SSU. I have learned from these students, shared tears with them, and felt deeply proud of them as I watched them acclimate to civilian life. My paternal grandfather was a decorated combat war veteran who served in WWII from1941-1945 and my maternal grandfather served 1945 through the 50’s in varying capacities. While their experiences were vastly different, what was remarkably similar was the lack of any conversation about those experiences once they returned home. This certainly was their choice, and they had every right to that choice, but too often this silence is due to lack of societal support. They are not easy stories to share. For us all to listen, learn, and process, we need an opening for these stories to be told, heard, and discussed. This is one of those openings. Six courageous playwrights wrote these pieces that three directors and nineteen actors are bringing to life. It is our hope that with an open heart and mind you will immerse yourself in these worlds and stay after to complete the evening by sharing your thoughts on how these themes and experiences relate to your lives. Thank you. Julie Kiernan Artistic Director
PROGRAM Deuces Wild by Ken Levine Directed by Matthew Korahais Capt. Hoffman Petty Officer Gomes Councilman Davis
Juan Sepulveda Ethan Dwyer Ryan March
The Board by Eric Mansfield Directed by Esme Allen Lance Clarence Todd
Ian Tomarakos Russ Felt Tom Cobb
Waiver Wire by Stephanie Kline Directed by Sara Conlon Lieutenant Howell Lieutenant Marlowe Lieutenant Daly Lieutenant Hineline Gunnery Sergeant Rodriguez
Piper Hall Anya Saben Megan Falkner Megan Volpone Brian Wellman
Basic Wait by Hugh MacKay Directed by Sara Conlon Blue/Tim Brooklyn Blaze Banjo Sergeant/Mom Real Sergeant
Wesley Crowley Rose Liv Steeman Cooper O'Neil Zachary Graves Erin Shine David Tullis
Hands from the Fire by Cris Eli Blak Directed by Esme Allen Warner Carmen
Ian Tomarakos Nadia Okuliczki
A Trick of Whiskey and the Night by Gordon Bolar Directed Matthew Korahais Sergeant Stubbs Michael "Shifty" Celestin Corporal Harris Marck-Hens Jules Please join us for a talk-back with cast, directors and playwrights immediately following the performance. Please be advised that plays selected for the 2021 festival contain themes of suicide, PTSD, war, violence, and strong language.
FESTIVAL PLAYWRIGHTS Cris Eli Blak is an award winning and internationally produced writer for the page, stage and screen. His work has garnered him a Bronze Remi from the Worldfest Houston International Film and Video Festival, the Christopher Hewitt Award in Fiction, a Pushcart Prize nomination and honors from Vectis Radio, Negro Ensemble Company, Clocktower Players and A is For. His work has been produced, performed and/or published around the world, from Off-Broadway (Urban Stages and Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre), West Coast (Theatre of NOTE, Theatre West, Common Ground Theatre, Left Edge Theatre and Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble), Collegiate (Columbia University, York College of Pennsylvania, Academy of Arts University and Wellesley College), London (The Quean's Company and Flawstate), Canada (Ryerson Community Theatre), Australia (Melting Pot Theatre), and Ireland (Eva's Echo). He is developing new work with Derby City Playwrights, The Road Theatre, Imaginarium Theatre Company, Milagro Theatre and Et Alia Theater. He was the resident playwright at Fosters Theatrical Artists Residency and continues to strive to create work that reflects the world that we live in, with all of its different and diverse colors, creeds, and cultures.
Gordon Bolar has authored two produced full-length plays which include "Petroleum Sunset", and “Self-Contained”. He also authored “Critic and Wife”, a radio play, produced by All Ears Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI. His full-length play “Facing Heaven” was presented in a staged reading at Hendrix College. Gordon has also written several one-act plays, including “Homemakers, 1967”, read at the Kalamazoo New Play Fest. His one-act “Good Counsel, 1949” was given a staged reading at Queer Theatre Kalamazoo. In 2019, his one-act, “From a Phone Booth in Japan”, was read at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. In 2021, Gordon’s one-act plays were read at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, Creative 360 in Midland, MI and at the Northern Arizona Playwrights Showcase in Flagstaff, AZ. His Ten-Minute play, “A Trick of Whiskey and the Night” is scheduled to be read at Salem State University’s Veteran’s 10-Minute Play Festival in the fall of 2021. The play is loosely inspired by events around losing his son, Cpl. Matthew T. Bolar, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2007. Gordon earned an M.F.A. in Directing from Ohio University and a Ph.D. in theatre from Louisiana State University. He wrote his dissertation on the Sunday Night Productions Without Décor at the Royal Court Theatre. Gordon taught and directed college and university theatre. After 22 years in Public Media, he retired as General Manager of Public Radio Station, WMUK. He has been a theatre critic for several newspapers and websites and has written more than 300 reviews. He currently writes reviews for public radio station, WMUK. Gordon continues to develop his playwriting skills through ongoing classes with playwright, journalist, and author Jeffrey Sweet.
Stephanie Kline is a stand-up comic, award-winning filmmaker, and Marine Corps veteran. She performs across the country at major comedy clubs as well as for veteran service organizations including the American Legion and Department of Veterans Affairs. Stephanie’s jokes were featured on Audible’s audiobook Strong Endings: From Combat to Comedy and she was a guest on the National Endowment for the Arts’ podcast, Art Works. Stephanie is a staff writer for the satirical military publication, Duffel Blog, and produces comedic short films with other funny veterans. Her first short play, Potshots, debuted at the Asheville Fringe Festival earlier this year.
Ken Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/playwright/major league baseball announcer. His plays have been performed around the world. Ken was the Head Writer of MASH, Producer of Cheers, and has written over 200 episodes of TV for such shows as MASH, Cheers, Frasier, the Simpsons, and Wings. He also has been the play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres.
Hugh MacKay is a Boston based playwright. His play THE GREATEST CARD TRICK was produced at Break A Leg Productions (New York, NY, February 2021). A backyard beekeeper, he lives with his wife, children, and assorted animals, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
Eric Mansfield is a career storyteller with 20+ years as a professional journalist, most at WKYC-TV (NBC) in Cleveland, Ohio, where he received three regional Emmy Awards and honors from the Associated Press, Cleveland Press Club and others. Eric began writing plays about five years ago with a passion for crafting contemporary family dramas. His full-length play Love in Reserve, which chronicles the challenges of military couples separated during wartime through the eyes of an Army coupled separated during the first year of the Iraq war, was named a 2020 national semi-finalist by Arts in the Armed Forces and will see its world premiere at Rubber City Theater in Akron, Ohio, in November 2021. Eric is also a new member of the United States Veterans Arts Alliance (USVAA), based in Los Angeles, where he connects with other professional writers for film, TV and stage, and he is also a member of the Dramatists Guild in New York City. Many of his stage plays can be read online via NewPlayExchange.org. Eric is a U.S. Army veteran with service in Iraq, Honduras, Hurricane Katrina and state emergencies during his 20-year career with the Ohio Army National
Guard. A retired Major, Eric continues to serve the Army representing soldiers, families and veterans in the Buckeye state with his appointment from the Pentagon as the Civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army - Ohio (North). While Eric has already earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Dayton and an M.A. in Public Relations from Kent State University, he is now seeking his M.F.A. in Creative Writing - Playwriting from Kent State. Eric currently serves as Assistant Vice President, Content Strategy and Communications, at Kent State. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Akron, OH, and have three adult sons.
CAST Michael Shifty Celestin (Sergeant Stubbs) is a junior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. Previous credits include Old Major (Animal Farm), Anton Schill (The Visit), Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Martha/Emergency tone/Gang Member/Man (Gunplay), Conrade (Much Ado About Nothing), and Man’s voice/Doctor/Man at table/Jailer (Machinal). Awards: Winner of 2018 Doug Ingalls monologue contest. Tom Cobb (Todd) is a veteran master teacher and lacrosse coach at the Masconomet Regional School District in Boxford, Massachusetts. He was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts. He attended and graduated from Salem State University with a BA & MA in history ('94 & '00), after being Honorably discharged from the US Navy as an Operations Specialist second class. He served his active duty onboard the USS Moinester FF-1097 from (87-90) and his active reserves at MARDEZLANT Boston (90-93). Although Tom has no acting experience whatsoever, he has been able to hold hundreds of his students captivated with his teaching skills and love of history for nearly 30 years. Wesley Crowley (Blue/Tim) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with a focus on performance. This is his first role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Lysander (Midsummer Night’s Dream), Fourth Drowned/Lord Cut Glass/Sinbad Sailor (Under Milk Wood), and Mr. Kirby (You Can’t Take It with You). Ethan Dwyer (Gomes) is a freshman pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in media and communications. This is his first role at Salem State University. Previous roles include ensemble roles in Sister Act, Mamma Mia! and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Salem High School). Awards: Salem High Producer’s Award (2021). Megan Falkner (Lieutenant Daly) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatrical performance. This is her first role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Mary Warren (The Crucible), Tink (Peter/Wendy), and Hero (Lost in the System). Russ Felt (Clarence) was raised, educated, and otherwise taught by those who had served in World War II. They and their wartime experiences dominated his formative years. He also knew Korean War and World War I veterans...and at least one from the Spanish-American War. He always expected to serve in the military. He served as a United States Marine in Vietnam in 1968-1969. He served in the way ordinary Marines have served in wars for over two-hundred years. He married the right woman, raised a great daughter, and became a teacher. He would not have it otherwise. Russ lives in Salem, Massachusetts
with his patient and loving wife and a loyal German Shepherd. He is unhappy when he does not write regularly and suspects that many other writers feel similarly, although this is of little comfort. When he is unable to make headway with a work in progress, and puts it aside, he often burdens his friends and family with lengthy, carefully constructed emails –sometimes that helps. He is fond of bagpipes, blues, and playing piano. He has been blessed by a family of females and loves them all. He has survived the 60’s…so far. Zachary Graves (Banjo) is a junior pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance. This is his second performance at Salem State University. Previous credits: Uncle Henry/Tall Ghost/Oz’s Assistant (Wizard of Oz), Guard #2 (Mmmbeth), Student #4 (The Audition), Shadow Neighbor (Wreck on the 5:25), and Colonel Mustard (CLUE) at Salem Academy, and Card Guard (Alice and Wonderland Haunted House) with the SSU Student Theatre Ensemble. Piper Hall (Lieutenant Howell) is a first year student at Salem State University. She is currently undeclared but intends on pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. This is her first performance at Salem State. Previous credits include Anna (Frozen), Grace (Annie), Fiona (Shrek), James (Jesus Christ Superstar), as well as many more at Marblehead Little Theatre. Recent television work includes featured extra roles in Dexter: New Blood and Julia. Marck-Hens Jules (Corporal Harris) is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre performance. Previous credits include Young Boy/Boy at Bar/Singer Man at table 1/Jailer (Machinal). Ryan March (Councilman Davis) is a sophomore with a double major in theatre arts and history. Some of his past roles include Pinocchio (Shrek: The Musical), A-Rab (West Side Story), Ariel (The Tempest), and Nick Carraway (The Great Gatsby). Ryan also made his directorial debut with his rendition of Larry Shue’s The Nerd. Cooper O’Neil (Blaze) is a freshman pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his first role at Salem State University. Previous credits include The Caterpillar (Alice in Wonderland), Pepper (Mamma Mia), Theodore Laurence (Little Women), and The Announcer/Tom/ Male Beth (Just Another High School Play). Nadia Okuliczki (Carmen) is a first year BFA student at Salem State University. This is her first appearance in a play at Salem State and her first role in almost three years! Previous roles include Kate Mundy (Dancing at Lughnasa) and The Player (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead). Ian Tomarakos (Lance/Warner) is a freshman pursuing his Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his first role at Salem State University. Some previous credits include Matt Galloway (The Laramie Project), Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes), Chuck Cranston (Footloose), and Patchy the Pirate (SpongeBob Squarepants). Anya Saben (Lieutenant Marlowe) is a sophomore and first-year student at Salem State University. She transferred from Worcester State and is so excited to be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance. Previous credits include Piggy (The Lord of the Flies), Berthe (Pippin), Mary Davis (Girl in the White Pinafore), and Penelope Pennywise (Urinetown). Juan Sepulveda (Captain Hoffman) is a sophomore pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his third role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Marmaduke (Orlando), Jedediah Shultz/ Jonas Slonaker (The Laramie Project), Dr. Rank (A Doll’s House), Fayette (Waiting for Lefty), Mr. Collins (Memphis the Musical), and Government Soldier (Ruined). Erin Shine (Sergeant/Mom) is a senior pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performance with a double major in music. This is her eight role at Salem State University. Previous credits include: The Queen (Orlando), Musician (The Long Christmas Ride Home), Shona (Top Girls), Simon (O Beautiful), 25 Captain (The Wolves), Sweetheart (Middletown), Angel/soloist (Jesus Christ Superstar), Cinderella (Cinderella), Wednesday (Addams Family), and Ginette (Almost, Maine). Operas include: Salome (Salome), and Dew Fairy (Hansel and Gretel), and Carmen (Carmen). Rose Liv Steeman (Brooklyn) is a junior in the Bachelor of Arts program with a focus on performing. This is her first role at Salem State University. Previous roles include Belinda Blair (Noises Off!), Lilith/Lily (She Kills Monsters: The Virtual Realm), Lana Sherwood (It’s a Wonderful Life, a Radio Play), and Edith Frank (The Dreams of Anne Frank). David Tullis (Real Sergeant) is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in public history. This is his first role at Salem State University. Brian Wellman (Gunnery Sergeant Rodriguez) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in political science. This is his first role at Salem State University.
CREATIVE TEAM AND PRODUCTION STAFF Esme Allen (Director) is a Boston-based actor, educator, and designer. Bostonarea acting credits include Hurricane Diane (Huntington Theatre). Much Ado About Nothing, The Cherry Orchard, Middletown and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Actors’ Shakespeare Project); Muckrakers, Elephant Man and Amadeus (New Repertory Theatre), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Greater Boston Stage Co.); Gloucester Blue, North Shore Fish (Gloucester Stage Company); Dog Paddle (Bridge Repertory Theater) and Coriolanus (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Television credits include The Good Wife (CBS). Scenic design credits include Bridge Repertory Theater’s production of Who is Eartha Mae?, Mud Blue Sky, Julius Caesar, and Gidion’s Knot. She earned her MFA in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. She is a Resident Acting Company Member with the Actors' Shakespeare Project and teaches at Salem State University.
Sara Conlon (Director) is a Northshore based actor, director, and theater educator. She earned her MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University and BA in Theatre from University of New Hampshire. Sara currently teaches in the Theatre and Speech Department at Salem State University and Northern Essex Community College. She is a Company Artist at The New Hampshire Theatre Project. NHTP credits include Elephant in the Room Series®, Mr. Bennet/Charlotte Lucas (Kate Hamill's Pride and Prejudice). Other acting credits include Izzy in Rabbit Hole (Seacoast Rep), Almost, Maine (Salem State Summer Theatre) Reaping (The Actor's Studio of Newburyport) Olivia in Twelfth Night (Pavilion Stage) Florida (The Actor's Studio of Newburyport) Yasmin in Pentecost (Playhouse Theatre). Directing Credits include: The Visit (Salem State University) The Veterans Play Festival (Salem State University) O,Beautiful (Salem State University). Sara lives in Amesbury, Massachusetts with her wonderful husband and two children.
Julie Kiernan (Artistic Director) Assistant Professor of Theatre and Speech Communication at Salem State University. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine. Her thesis revolved around the pedagogy of acting training. While working as a professional actress in Los Angeles, she continued her research and interest in education by teaching for the Los Angeles County School District. Before joining Salem State, she was a professional actress in Los Angeles. She has traveled internationally as an actress, a faculty leading students, presenter, and consultant. In 2016, she received Salem State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Professor Kiernan also serves in the capacity of Faculty Fellow for Global Engagement. She is a founding faculty of the Veteran Scholars Learning
Community and is the Artistic Director of the annual National 10-minute Veterans’ Playwriting Contest & Festival. SSU mainstage direction credits include Orlando by Sarah Ruhl (Fall 2020) and Top Girls by Caryl Churchill (Fall 2019). Kiernan’s TED Talk, “Setting the Stage for Human Connection,” focuses on her theatre education research. Her other research interests include contemplative pedagogy, value-creation education, building intercultural competence, and creativity.
Matthew Korahais (Director) is an actor, playwright, dramaturg, and Visiting Lecturer at Salem State University who is glad to return to the Veterans Play Festival for the third time. He was an ensemble member in The Nature Theater of Oklahoma’s Life & Times (OBIE, Guardian Best Theater Pick), appeared as the Coffin Salesman in Pedro Reyes’ DOOMOCRACY, presented by Creative Time and directed by Meghan Finn, Sarah Delappe’s Richard in 9 Poses for Clubbed Thumb, Richard Maxwell's Samara for Soho Rep, directed by Sarah Benson, Kate Benson’s Where Are We Going? at Northern Stage, and most recently in Mia Rovegno and Jeanette Yew's The Blind, for HERE Arts Center.
Diane Thai (Stage Manager) is a junior pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in stage and production management. Recent stage management credits include Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Boston Arts Academy) Memphis The Musical (The Strand Theatre), Waiting For Lefty (Boston Arts Academy), Blood at The Root (Boston Arts Academy), Love Valour Compassion (Zeitgeist Theatre Company) Our Story (OrigiNation Dance Company), OrigiNation Dance Recital (The Strand Theatre) and Twist and Shout (Huntington Theatre), Top Girls (Salem State University), First Year Lab (Salem State University) Hat Performance (Salem State University). Awards: Boston Arts Academy Honors in Theatre Arts (2019) and Boston Arts Academy Theatre Legacy Award (2019).
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Center for Creative and Performing Arts Karen Gahagan, Director Kati Nalbandian, Project Manager Ashley O’Toole, Theatre Production Coordinator and House Manager
THEATRE AND SPEECH COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT Celena Sky April Esme Allen Brianne Beatrice Bryn Boice William Cunningham Sara Conlon Matthew Emerson James J. Fallon, Professor Emeritus Myrna Finn, Professor Emerita Stuart Grieve Thomas J. Hallahan, Professor Emeritus Michael M. Harvey Elizabeth Hart, Professor Emerita Jane Hillier-Walkowiak Stacey Horne-Harper Alex Jacobs Becca Jewett Jerry L. Johnson, Chairperson Julie Kiernan Matthew Korahais Christopher Morris Tim O’Toole Ashley Preston O’Toole Peter Sampieri Vera Sheppard, Professor Emerita Richard Snee Allen Vietzke Whitney L. White, Professor Emeritus Patricia Zaido, Professor Emerita
Salem State University Military Friendly School Awards and Honors